These four pieces are from a Classically Alive Musical Salon, organized and hosted by Dr. Abram Minzer. Performance Nov. 15, 2008. Compositions were commissioned by Dr. Minzer. Composer/pianist, myself; poetry: Yousuf Zaigham; soprano: Cindy Saunders. These poems are all from Yousuf's outstanding book, "Like a Vermeer and other Poems." To see full screen, hit small rectangular box on bottom; to make smaller, hit escape key.
- "Time & Us"
- First up on program, "Time & Us." Permission from the poet to repeat a few lines. I hope you enjoy this one and the others.
- "Burial Instructions"
- This is the second piece from the Classically Alive Music Salon Nov. 15, 2008. Poet Yousuf Zaigham recites "Burial Instructions" to my composition based on the poem. The program notes, for now, are listed on the Music Page. The piano outweighs the vocalists in this rendering. I'm not certain how to compensate.
- "Exuberante"
- This is the solo inspired by the poetry of Yousuf Zaigham. The body language is part of the composition.
- "Lord, Remember Me"
- Cindy Saunders, Soprano, and I perform the fourth composition based on Zaigham's poetry. The lights were dimmer for this one; unfortunately, we cannot see the singer's face.
- TO COME: DANCE - IMPROV only to Conquest of Paradise
- This is an inprov -- a rough draft only! -- of a dance to pull together with one or two friends of mine. Filmed by friends in Canada.